At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead innovative projects in protection, automation, and control for high-voltage networks.
- Company: Join SSE, a forward-thinking energy company committed to a net zero future.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, competitive salary, and wellness perks like gym discounts and free online GP.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team that values inclusivity and offers excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on the energy sector while advancing your career in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Degree in Electrical Engineering and experience in transmission-level protection systems required.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 75000 £ per year.
Base Location: For this role, we require successful applicants to be based from one of our Scottish locations – Perth, Inverness or Aberdeen.
Salary: £58,100 - £87,100 + car / car allowance + performance‑related bonus + a range of benefits to support your finances, wellbeing and family.
Working Pattern: Permanent | Full Time | Flexible First options available.
The role: As part of our journey, we are looking for a Principal Engineer – Protection, Automation & Control (PAC) to join our specialist Network Engineering team. You’ll play a vital role in defining technical policy, influencing industry standards, and supporting the delivery of innovative, future‑ready projects across our high‑voltage transmission network related to PAC.
- Write, review and maintain technical specifications required for all protection and control designs and equipment used on the SSEN Transmission network. Updates will be based upon stakeholder engagement and technology advancement where you will use your excellent communication skills to technically and economically justify the changes made.
- As a Technical Authority and working in conjunction with the Protection & Control Technical Assurance engineer, ensure that all IED types are safe, adequately tested, configured and validated prior to approval for use on the network.
- Assist the Design Authority to verify project proposals are fit for purpose and identify any scope changes required to ensure the network is adequately protected in accordance with legislation, Grid Code and specifications.
- Represent SSEN Transmission at industry body events, standardisation working groups and subject‑matter conferences to identify technology or opportunities for innovation.
- Provide technical consultancy services across the SSEN Transmission business, encouraging the development of staff and have a willingness to share your specialist expert knowledge.
You have:
- A degree in Electrical Engineering or another relevant engineering discipline and you should be a Chartered Engineer with a relevant institution or working towards chartered status.
- Demonstrable experience in development, design and specification of transmission‑level protection and control systems, preferably including the use of IEC61850.
- Be comfortable to technically assess issues and critically assess a range of proposed technical solutions.
- Knowledge and understanding of a range of Protection & Control related International Standards and an understanding of the technical requirements for design, planning, operation and development of the transmission network.
- Knowledge of relevant legislation would be beneficial.
- Excellent communication skills allowing you to communicate at all levels on a range of technical subjects. This includes the ability to form structured and reasoned justification in your guidance and support to others, along with the ability to write clear and well‑structured technical reports and specifications.
- The ability to prioritise your workload in an organised and methodical manner in order to meet targets and deadlines.
About SSE: SSE has a bold ambition – to be a leading energy company in a net zero world. We are investing around £10 million a day in home‑grown energy to help power a cleaner, more secure future. SSEN Transmission owns and operates the electricity transmission network across the north of Scotland. We transport energy from where it is generated to where it is needed, ensuring a safe and reliable electricity supply for the communities we serve. But that’s not all – we are upgrading the grid to deliver cleaner, home‑grown energy for the future and building a network for net zero to create secure power for generations to come.
Flexible benefits to fit your life: Enjoy discounts on private healthcare and gym memberships. Wellbeing benefits like a free online GP and 24/7 counselling service. Interest‑free loans on tech and transport season tickets, or a new bike with our Cycle to Work scheme. As well as generous family entitlements such as maternity and adoption pay, and paternity leave.
Work with an equal opportunity employer: SSE will make any reasonable adjustments you need to ensure that your application and experience with us is positive. We are dedicated to fostering an open and inclusive workplace where people from all backgrounds can thrive. We create equal opportunities for everyone to succeed and especially welcome applications from those who may not be well represented in our workforce or industry.
Ready to apply? Start your online application using the Apply Now box on this page. We only accept applications made online. We will be in touch after the closing date to let you know if we will be taking your application further. If you are offered a role with SSE, you will need to complete a criminality check and a credit check before you start work.
Principal Engineer: Protection, Automation & Control in Inverness employer: SSE
SSE is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in the heart of Scotland, with locations in Perth, Inverness, and Aberdeen. Employees benefit from a competitive salary, flexible working options, and a comprehensive range of wellbeing initiatives, including private healthcare discounts and family entitlements. With a strong commitment to employee development and an inclusive culture, SSE empowers its staff to contribute to innovative projects that support a sustainable energy future.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Engineer: Protection, Automation & Control in Inverness
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with industry professionals! Attend conferences, workshops, or local meetups related to Protection, Automation & Control. It’s all about who you know, and these connections can lead to job opportunities that aren’t even advertised.
✨Show Off Your Expertise
When you get the chance, don’t hold back on showcasing your knowledge. Whether it’s in interviews or networking events, share your insights on IEC61850 or recent advancements in protection systems. This will position you as a thought leader and make you memorable!
✨Tailor Your Approach
Every company is different, so tailor your conversations and presentations to align with SSEN Transmission’s goals. Highlight how your skills can contribute to their mission of delivering cleaner energy and enhancing the transmission network. Make it personal!
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team at SSEN Transmission. Let’s get you on board!
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Engineer: Protection, Automation & Control in Inverness
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in protection, automation, and control systems. We want to see how your skills align with the role, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant projects!
Show Off Your Communication Skills:Since excellent communication is key for this role, use your application to demonstrate your ability to write clear and structured reports. We love seeing candidates who can articulate complex technical concepts in a straightforward way.
Highlight Your Technical Expertise:Don’t forget to mention your knowledge of IEC61850 and any relevant international standards. We’re looking for someone who can critically assess technical solutions, so make sure to include examples of your past experiences in this area.
Apply Through Our Website:Remember, we only accept applications made online! So, head over to our website and hit that 'Apply Now' button. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into our hands quickly and efficiently.
How to prepare for a job interview at SSE
✨Know Your Technical Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of protection and control systems, especially IEC61850. Be ready to discuss your experience in developing and specifying transmission-level systems, as well as any relevant international standards.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
Since excellent communication is key for this role, prepare to demonstrate how you've effectively communicated complex technical concepts in the past. Think of examples where you've justified changes or provided guidance to stakeholders.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your ability to critically evaluate technical solutions. Prepare to discuss specific scenarios where you had to assess issues and make decisions based on technical requirements and legislation.
✨Engage with the Company’s Vision
Familiarise yourself with SSE's commitment to a net zero world and their ongoing projects. Be ready to discuss how your expertise can contribute to their goals, particularly in innovative and future-ready projects across the high-voltage transmission network.
